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Under-16's Are County Champions!

Urhan's Under-16's had a great victory yesterday, winning the West Cork League Final Replay and County Championship double header in Adrigole, 5-14 to 4-05. Oircheann Abú!

Having met twice before this year, including in the drawn League Final a fortnight before, it was clear that there was little between the teams. And so it proved for most of this game.

Muintir Bhaire were quick to settle, creating three early chances resulting in a pointed free in the second minute. Urhan looked dangerous on the limited ball they were allowed, and pointed after seven minutes with a Sean O' Sullivan free before Muintir Bhaire instantly restored their lead with a point from play. Better was to follow for the Durrus men on ten minutes with a well-worked goal giving stand-in goalie Kevin Elphick no chance, and Urhan trailed 0-01 to 1-02.

From there on in, though, Urhan began to win more possession, replying to the goal through a brace of Sean O' Sullivan points, one from play and one from a free, either side of a Philip O' Shea point. Urhan hit the lead for the first time in the nineteenth minute, Philip O' Shea netting a fine goal after good teamwork set up the chance.

Durrus broke up Urhan's dominant spell for a period thereafter, but were struggling to get through Urhan's backs. When they did, they were lethal, goaling again on twenty-two minutes with a thunderous shot from the left to the top right corner, as the lead changed hands again. 1-04 to 2-02.

After Sean O' Sullivan tied it up again, before Durrus somehow found space to run through the middle. Goal. And Urhan trailed by three. For the third time, Urhan picked themselves up after conceding a goal to score immediately - a lovely right-footer from Declan O' Neill. As half-time approached, Urhan began to assert their authority. Three more points reduced, cancelled, and then seized the lead, courtesy of fine teamwork, and fine finishing from Sean O' Sullivan, Declan O' Neill and Sean O' Sullivan again. At half-time it was Urhan 1-09 Muintir Bhaire 3-02.

Urhan reshuffled at the break. Goalkeeper Paddy Sheehan's half-time arrival, courtesy of a mad dash from an earlier rugby game, freed Kevin Elphick to his more familiar surroundings among the backs, and Kevin Hanley to his normal hunting grounds in the full-forward line.

Facing into a strengthening wind for the second half with only a one-point lead, Urhan would have to show resolve and resillience. This they did, and in spades. From the restart Urhan took the game to their opponents. Conor Lowney goaled almost immediately, following a one-two with Declan O' Neill.

Despite the setback of a fourth Muintir Bhaire goal, Urhan looked settled, and Kevin Hanley goaled with a well-placed shot to open up a gap.

When Sean O' Sullivan and Kevin Hanley followed up with points to open up a nine-point lead, it was tempting to think that the tide had turned, but past meetings of these two times had taught all that nothing could be taken for granted. Urhan pressed on in all sectors, teamwork was called for and delivered.

Urhan's backs were repelling all assaults, with sterling work from all, none more so perhaps than centre-back Andrew O' Neill. When Conor Lowney scored his second goal of a fine centrefield display, the lead had stretched to nine points with fifteen to go.

Muintir Bhaire were clearly not going to lower the flag, however, and battled back. Pressure on their shooting brought as many blocks as points, though, as the game entered a crucial stage. Urhan's backs were all on form. Urhan broke free, and Kevin Hanley goaled again. Urhan led by 5-11 to 4-04 with time running out.

Sweeping on two occasions from Conor Lowney protected the Urhan net. Kevin Hartnett sailed over a point. Durrus kept coming. Urhan pointed again through Kevin Hanley. Sean O' Sullivan, tracking back from the forwards executed a crucial challenge to stop another goal. Durrus tacked on a point. Urhan pointed through Philip O' Shea.

And then, finally, the whistle blew on a remarkable game of football, and Urhan were County and West Cork League Champions.

Congrats and thanks to all involved on a fine day for the club. Oircheann Abú!